03 "S" vs 05 base

[Norminhouston]

Revised Single row 6305 bearing IMS with larger diameter stud and 22mm nut configuration, shown with the hub flange removed. Although the bearing is accessible via a removable circlip, you cannot remove it from the IMS without disassembling the whole engine because the o.d. of the bearing is larger in diameter than the opening in the back of the case.

According to PET, here are the engine numbers for single or double row bearings* up until late 2005 then 2006 and later engines which received a larger, non-servicable single row bearing. *Courtesy of Scott Slauson http://www.softronic.us.

Boxster: Double Row: up to 651 12851 (M96.22) up to 671 11237 (M96.21)

Single Row: from 651 12852 (M96.22) from 671 11238 (M96.21)

Here is some info that was posted on a PCA newsletter.

[thstone]

From a practical viewpoint, you can't lose! The 986S will have a little more power but the 987 will have some newer features and be a newer car overall.

Bottom line: Pick the one your wife or girlfriend likes best.